Thanks to all the encouraging posts

Found out I needed pacemaker on the same day as surgery (7/15/13) for third degree heart block. Have a dual lead st.Jude. I believe that symptoms had been coming on for a long time I.e. shortness of breath and lightheadedness, but I dismissed them as no one that I know of in my family has had heart issues and I have always been quite active, having been a serious marathoner in my 30's- I'm 54 now. I want to improve my conditioning as I don't feel as energetic as I think I should or could. I don't take any medications and don't have any other health issues that I am aware of. With the advice of my doctor I've begun jogging 2 miles per day and am wondering if anyone can recommend a heart monitor. Should I find out what my upper level setting is set at and have it adjusted for more strenuous activity? Am I limited to how high my heart rate can go?

I appreciate the positive comments by group members as I'm finding this adjustment to living with a pacemaker challenging. Thanks for providing this supportive community. I am in awe of many of your stories and find such inspiration. Thanks for making this transition easier for me.

11 Comments

Nice name

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-07 01:08:41

Only problem is, it is the same as mine and this will get very confusing. Would you mind changing yours? Sorry for the inconvenience.

To answer your post, I use a Polar HR monitor while exercising.

Grateful Heart

Yes, confusing name

by Duke999 - 2013-08-07 02:08:13

Hello Gratefulheart. First, welcome to the club. One of the long time and sincere club member Grateful Heart is right. If possible and if you don't mind, you can take a different name. I've gotten used to reading many posts and answers from Grateful Heart and I like to know who's who.
And to answer your question about the heart rate monitor, I just got a Mio Alpha. It's a little pricey ($200), but it's a continuous, blue tooth and strapless monitor. FYI, I had my PM since March this year and I refused to take medications. I jog 3-4 miles just about everyday. My heart rate at times go up to 160 and my upper rate is set at 130.
There's no limit to how high your heart rate can go. Once you go above the set upper rate, your heart works on its own. I wish you well on your new journey.

Duke

monitor question

by jimkirschvink - 2013-08-07 02:08:38

some monitors apparently won't work with a PM, or so I'm told. I spent $100 on one and never used it.

I'm almost certain my heart condition was brought on by running marathons at mostly high altitude, such as Pike's Peak and Leadville marathons. a recent sweedish study showed a correlation between x-county endurance athletes and heart block and other timing issues. I ran my first marathon at 40, and I used to live at 10,500' the yo-yo training I did probably contributed to my condition

good luck! your pacer is your friend

Jim Jim

Sense of Yuma

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-07 02:08:45

My head is spinning now. Anybody else's??

Thank you for your answers and the welcome.

Change of name! And thanks!

by HoneyBadger - 2013-08-07 05:08:11

Thank you for all the posts. Of course- changed my name to Honey Badger- sure hope nobody else has that name:-)

Thank you on all the advice about monitors, I will look them up on amazon.

Jim- I also feel sure that my electrical issues were caused by my running career as well, though both my cardiologists disagree. I ran a lot of races and marathons and pushed hard, so it makes sense to me. I'm going to do my best to get into good shape again and running not racing again seems like a good way to do it.

HR Monitor

by IAN MC - 2013-08-07 06:08:21

Hi Gh I've got a Polar FT2 HR monitor, quite cheap from Amazon and it works fine when I run!

PS I'm thinking of changing my name to gratefulheart OR Greatful Heart or maybe Grateful hart,would that cause any problems for anyone ?

Cheers

Ian

hey... this sounds trendy

by lubro - 2013-08-07 07:08:21

is Great Fullheart taken yet? Would the real grateful; heart please stand up...Does this mean I'll probably have more that one GH following me ??? just remember, yah gotta have a sense of Yuma, Arizona, if you wanna hang round here...
sorry... couldn't resist... :)

HoneyBadger

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-07 07:08:58

That was very gracious of you, thank you!

I didn't want to feel like I was talking to myself.....you know, any more than usual. :o)

A very grateful,

Grateful Heart

Welcome

by kmom - 2013-08-07 11:08:27

Just wanted to say Welcome to Greatfulheart. Glad to hear that you are feeling better.

Recovery Man

by LeeT - 2013-08-08 02:08:14

I was a distance runner, layed off for many years and finally started back in the gym 22 years ago, entirely focused on weight trainging and cardio until my pulse went to 35-40 bpm. 01/18/13 came the implant and the rest is history. My opinion with running is it can't hurt you as long as one is conditioned to run. Perhaps genetics have to do it the problem or late in life start with work outs perhaps caused undetectable heart damage etc. My doctors here in Los Angeles said they have treated many well conditioned athletes who needed a pm. Actually I feel better now at 71 then I felt for the past 10 years. However (still adjusting) I need more recovery time after workd outs and sleep. This is the first time in my life I've experiences physicial limitations.. always very quick on my feet and all that. Don't yet acknowledge my age as a factor I am cautious as you should be as well. Sorry couldn't offer more specific info. Stay Well Lee

Forgot to say Welcome!

by Grateful Heart - 2013-08-08 12:08:53

You are already part of the group.

The adjustment to hosting a PM can be challenging in the beginning as you said. Ask any questions or concerns you have here. This is a great bunch.

As you can see from some of the comments above, we like to laugh too.

Welcome,

Grateful Heart

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